Building Trust in the Public Record Extended to 2028
The revised policy includes updated references, refreshed language and refined implementation actions to reflect the evolving information management environment.
Originally commencing on 1 January 2021, the policy establishes the key requirements for managing Australian Government information assets, including records, information and data. It supports agencies to strengthen how they create, collect, manage and use information, ensuring government decisions and actions are documented, secure and accessible.
The policy underpins major whole-of-government priorities, including digital transformation, protection of information assets and maximising the use and re-use of government information. To assist agencies, the National Archives provides practical guidance, templates and resources aligned to 17 implementation actions.
In his new foreword, Director-General Simon Froude reinforces that government information is a public asset of enduring significance. In an era of rapid data creation, artificial intelligence and increasing misinformation, robust information management is critical to transparency, integrity and public trust. Emerging technologies present both opportunity and risk, making coordinated, ethical and accountable information governance more important than ever.
Well-managed information enables effective service delivery, evidence-based policy development and participatory democracy. It supports redress, protects vulnerable communities and preserves records of national significance as part of Australia’s collective memory.
Since the policy’s introduction, annual surveys show steady progress in agency implementation. The extension to 2028 provides agencies additional time to complete mandatory and recommended actions, while allowing the National Archives to continue uplifting capability and maturity across government under its Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives.
Strong information management is not only operationally essential. It is foundational to integrity, accountability and the trust placed in government by the community.